Mike Webb considers himself the unofficial king of Summerfest. Of the thousands of people visiting Summerfest each year since 1968, many have one common denominator -- they've been there at the same time as Webb.
Webb said he's been coming his whole life, but 19 years ago decided to challenge himself to visit the festival every day.
"So I'm going to try and do a five-year plan. And try and do five years in a row without missing. Five years came and went and I was still going strong. I figured I'll just keep going until I can't go anymore, even if I am in a wheelchair or walking with a cane," he explained.
- SPECIAL SECTION: Summer(fest) Like a Rock Star!
Webb said whether he's sick, tired or broke, he shows up for at least 3 hours.
"You can't just walk in the gate and walk out the gate. At least 3 hours," said Webb.
Those hours add up fast.
"I started keeping track of the hours I spent here. Last year I spent 100 hours here. That's like a full time job," he said.
- GALLERY: Opening Day
"It's too bad he's not getting paid for it," said Patty Murdoch, a friend of Webb's who's known him since he started his quest.
Now retired, Webb said when he was working he took time off to soak in the Summerfest.
"I love all the different types of music, I love people watching. It's just a lot of fun," he said.
After airing this story, we heard from Randall Honkala, who said he last missed a day of Summerfest in 1994. He said Friday will be his 238th day attending the festival.
"Back then I thought I would keep going as long as I can draw a breath, I still feel that way," said Honkala.
Congratulations to both men on a great Summerfest accomplishment!
SUMMERFEST LINKS
- GALLERY: Opening Day
- GALLERY: Concert Photos
- FLASHBACK: Classic Summerfest Photos
- Tickets
- Transportation and Parking
- New Security Measures
- Construction Impact
- Grounds Map
- Lineup
